HP Lawsuit
Imagine if the gas in your gas tank expired after a certain date; worse, your gas cap locks so you’re unable to fill the tank with any gas at all. That’s not a perfect analogy, but it’s close to what is alleged Hewlett Packard is doing with its ink jet printer cartridges.
A Georgia woman is suing HP, claiming that its ink jet cartridges are programmed to expire on a certain date, even if they haven’t been used at all. The goal of such a ludicrous lock, of course, would be preventing people from refilling their cartridges with third-party ink. HP, conveniently, says it does not comment on pending litigation. Here’s hoping that the claim, if true, lands the women a big class action settlement.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
These materials were meant to revolutionize the solar industry. Why hasn’t it happened?
Perovskites are promising, but real-world conditions have held them back.
Why China is still obsessed with disinfecting everything
Most public health bodies dealing with covid have long since moved on from the idea of surface transmission. China’s didn’t—and that helps it control the narrative about the disease’s origins and danger.
Anti-aging drugs are being tested as a way to treat covid
Drugs that rejuvenate our immune systems and make us biologically younger could help protect us from the disease’s worst effects.
A quick guide to the most important AI law you’ve never heard of
The European Union is planning new legislation aimed at curbing the worst harms associated with artificial intelligence.
Stay connected
Illustration by Rose WongGet the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.